All North Carolina residents will have to prove their legal status according to the new federal law being implemented in the state beginning this year 2008.

Every resident will have to prove that he or she is a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or a valid non-immigrant visa holder.  Up until recently the immigration status was checked when a person applied for a new driver's license.  Now everyone, including those simply renewing their NC drivers licenses, will have to go through the process of being scrutinized and have their documents checked against the government databases for authenticity.

Therefore all NC residents will have to prove they are legal in the U.S.  If you were born before Dec. 1, 1964, you will have to go through the process in the next 6 years.  Older residents have until 2017.

North Carolina is one of the states complying with the federal REAL ID Act.

North Carolina DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) warns that the stricter rules will mean more work for the department employees and tells us to expect longer lines.

Those renewing their licenses will get a 20-day temporary document that allows them to drive legally.  During those days, all the supporting documents (licenses from other states, passports, Social Security cards, etc.) will be compared to the government databases. 

Average user rating

   (0 vote)